Should civil union veto mean Hawai’i boycott?

Should gay and lesbian (or all) travelers boycott Hawai’i? That’s what some are calling for online, after Gov. Linda Lingle’s veto late yesterday of a civil unions bill that offered same-sex couples the legal rights and obligations of married couples (minus the “married” moniker, which previous legislation limited to heterosexuals.)

Certainly, we Californians are quick to call for a boycott in places that have policies we don’t agree with — witness Arizona — but given Proposition 8′s success in blocking same-sex marriages in California, it strikes me as hypocritical to apply the same to Hawai’i, particularly when so many island legislators had come out in favor of the civil unions bill (HB44), and not to the Golden State. The many people and businesses that support civil rights (see the press statements below) are already hurting from the economy, so a blanket boycott would harm them.

And it’s not as if the issue is at a standstill, even though legislators have said they will not call a special session to override the veto. Lambda Legal and ACLU have prepared a lawsuit, noting, “If the Governor won’t honor her oath to uphold the constitution, the courts will.” A coalition including Equality Hawai’i, the GLBT Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawai’i, the Human Rights Campaign, PFLAG-Oahu and Pride Alliance Hawai’i released this statement July 6 vowing to press on (click here for the full text):

“Today is a sad day for the thousands of Hawaii families who remain second class citizens,” said Alan Spector, legislative affairs co-chair for Equality Hawai’i. “We fail to see how the Governor’s actions are in the best interest of Hawai’i's future and are nothing more than political maneuvering at the expense of people’s lives. We’re disappointed and outraged that same-sex families will not be treated equally under Hawai’i law, but vow to come back and fight this fight another day.”

“Today was the first time a civil unions bill passed both Houses in Hawai’i by solid margins and was on the Governor’s desk for signing,” said Jo-Ann Adams, chair of the GLBT Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawai’i. “With such broad support from the legislators, who are the elected officials closest to the public, and the consistent results of the professional polls showing broad support for civil unions as a civil rights issue, we are deeply disappointed that the Governor ignored the will of the people and vetoed the bill. We are determined, no matter how many sessions and election cycles it takes, to achieve full recognition for our families.”

“Americans nationwide share in the disappointment and outrage of thousands of Hawai’i's families who will not receive equal treatment under law,” said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign. “Thankfully, there are local advocates as well as leaders in the Hawai’i legislature who will continue to further the cause of equality. For decades, we have been a loyal partner in this fight for fairness in the Aloha State and we pledge to stand with them for years to come.”

“Today, on July 6, 2010, Gov. Linda Lingle denied social justice when she vetoed HB444 for Civil Unions,” said Rev. Carolyn M. Golojuch, president of PFLAG-Oahu. “Her denial is a violation of the integrity of her office and a violation of her oath of office. Governor Lingle’s denial of equal rights, benefits and protections for one segment of our citizens is a denial for all of our citizens of Hawai’i.”

“The members of Pride Alliance Hawai’i are greatly disappointed in Governor Lingle’s decision to veto the Civil Unions bill and allow the state to continue its discriminatory practices against same-sex couples,” said Tara O’Neill, president of Pride Alliance Hawai’i. “Two separate and independent economic studies, a poll conducted by a nationally recognized polling organization, and the thousands of residents who vocalized their support of the bill to the Governor and the Legislature over the past two years makes clear that the passage of HB444 is good economic sense, is socially just, and is supported by the people of Hawai’i. The LGBT community’s fight for equality in Hawai’i will continue.”

Recently I wrote an Aloha Friday about wedding sites and package providers in Hawai’i, and all but one of the representatives I interviewed said they welcomed same-sex couples for commitment ceremonies, and would do the same for same-sex marriages, as soon as those became legal (the other made referrals to a specialist in same-sex ceremonies.) So “rainbow visitors” at least should feel relatively welcome.

But what do you think? Should GLBT travelers avoid Hawai’i — or for that matter, California (which offers domestic partnerships but not marriage)? Feel free to share your comments below and I’ll repost the most thoughtful ones later this week.